By Ebi Kesiena
With poise and charisma, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame’s son, Ian Kagame, has been enrolled in the Rwanda Defense Forces Presidential Guard months after graduating and being part of the Rwandese army.
The presidential guard, which is in charge of the security of the Head of State and the First family, is one of the three elite units of the National army.
Ian, appeared publicly for the first time taking on his new assignment at the Annual National Prayer Breakfast held recently as photos of Ian alongside other members of the Rwanda Defence Forces emerged on social media.
Last August, Ian was commissioned to the rank of a second lieutenant during a graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst UK. He joined the college in 2021.
President Kagame and first lady Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame attended the ceremony.
Being, a highly trained officer, the third-born son, Ian is tasked with ensuring the safety of the country’s top in command.
“Such a proud moment. Congratulations Ian, thank you for the joy you brought us, this ceremony was one for the books,” Jeannette tweeted after the graduation in November.
It is speculated that Lieutenant Ian is being groomed to take over from his father. With this training, he is expected to be promoted to the Army.
Royal Military Academy is attended by sons of world leaders, including Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni’s controversial son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who graduated in 2000.
In the recent past, many strong African men have been sending their sons and heirs apparent to train and study military leadership at the RMAS.
Other former cadets from Africa Include Luhlabo Dhlamini, the son of King Mswati III of Swaziland and Prince Dawit Mekonnen – the Grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia
